Chicago White Sox general manager explains early offseason pickups

The Chicago White Sox roster is going to look much different come 2027’s Opening Day. A flurry of moves are expected before the likely MLB lockout. The White Sox want to capitalized on their 2026 playoff run.

But before the biggest dominoes fall, Chicago is still looking for talent any way they can find it. Already during the offseason, the White Sox have claimed utility man Graham Pauley and signed right-handed pitcher Alec Marsh. Both aren’t guaranteed to make the initial 25-man roster, but Chicago clearly sees potential in both players.

Pauley can play all over the field, having MLB experience at every infield position except shortstop as well as center field. On the flip side, the White Sox are trying to build out their pitching rotation. They’ll hope Marsh can be a diamond in the rough.

On the surface, it’s easy to see why Chicago targeted the players they did. But now general manager Chris Getz has fully laid out the franchise’s thinking.

Chicago White Sox begin building out 2027 roster 

Getz said the White Sox have long held an interest in Pauley. Once he became available, Chicago decided to pounce, via Lamond Pope of the Chicago Tribune.

“Pauley, we’ve got a history of following him going back to his amateur days,” Getz said. “He’s got some offensive traits that we like, some defensive versatility.”

Over his three years in the major leagues, Pauley has hit .209 with 10 home runs and 41 RBIs. He did have a career-high 25 RBIs over 62 games with the Miami Marlins in 2026. Perhaps a change of scenery and a coaching staff invested in him would prop the utility man up.

Marsh is still battling his way back from a shoulder injury. But Getz feels comfortable that he will recover at some point in 2026. His past results were too good to pass up for the minor league contract his deal cost.

“Marsh, he’s had success at the major-league level. He’s had some injuries. Based on his last surgery and kind of where he is in the recovery, we feel like there is some opportunity for him to be able to help our major-league club at some point next year,” Getz said. “Obviously a minor-league deal, and needs to continue to feel good and improve. But he’s had success, so we felt like a good target for us because he’s done it.”

The right-hander has made 43 major league appearances in his career, all with the Kansas City Royals. Marsh holds a 4.96 ERA and a 208/78 K/BB ratio. He’ll be a low-risk gamble that can pay off in a big way for Chicago.

Once the offseason is over, Pauley and Marsh won’t come close to the White Sox’s biggest additions. But they can’t be forgotten as the 2027 roster is formed.

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